Leg lymphedema treatment or lower extremities lymphedema requires immediate care that will help take care of this condition. Sometimes the initial stages show up discreetly behind the curve of the leg, or sometimes individuals also experience a little heaviness in the knees and ankles. As soon as individuals experience such symptoms it is best to consult a physician. However leg lymphedema treatment should be followed as early as possible. Some of the most effective treatments in leg lymphedema are natural methods that are not invasive and not leave surgical scars on the body.
Cellulitis is commonly seen among lymphedema patients and is a major complication that requires hospitalization for intravenous administration of antibiotics. Bacteria attack the skin on the affected limb and may travel to the tissues and consequently into the blood stream. Protein-rich fluids that have accumulated in the limb form a rich medium for the bacteria to grow and spread through the body. The visible symptoms of an infection are red blotchy skin which feels warm to the touch, swelling and increasing pain. Flu-like symptoms may also be present with fever and chills. In some cases, as the lymph nodes fight against infection they may enlarge.
Extreme care should be taken while performing manual lymph drainage. Too much pressure on the skin may inadvertently increase the blood flow, leading to accumulation of water in the tissues which is not a good sign. It may lead to unnecessary complications for a lymphedema patient. It is therefore advisable to visit a trained massage therapist who has the knowledge of the techniques of manual lymph drainage and is also aware of the contraindications.
A course of antibiotics usually does the task of clearing up the infection. However, the lymphedema patient is required to stop all therapy including manual lymph drainage, for the duration; compression bandages should not be applied till the problem is cleared. A bacterial infection may take between three and eight days to clear, although it depends on the severity of the condition. Fungal infections are often difficult to diagnose as they may be embedded in the tissues. However, in case where the infection is mild, the condition may clear up by itself, without any antibiotics.
Persons who are at a high risk of contracting lymphedema must be extra careful to avoid minor cuts, injuries and bruises. If in case any injury takes place, however small, immediate first aid is the first step. In case of itching, an anti-itch cream may be applied to the area. Burns and insect bites are the main reasons for infection and hence, must be taken care of quickly. If first-aid does not help, then the doctor must be consulted. Since lymphedema patients are susceptible to infection, they must carry a prescription for antibiotics or medication while traveling for any emergency.
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